Unfortunately I’m going to come across as a filthy casual with the following post, but I have questions that need answered. Takara’s Masterpiece Star Saber is coming and with each new image revealing new gimmicks and features my anticipation builds. With the hype train constantly gaining speed, I’ve come to the realization I have no clue who this Star Saber is (not the guy from the current IDW comics, I’ve heard he’s slightly different), but I need this Masterpiece toy that is such a labor of love from Takara designer Hisashi Yuki. Always wanting to learn more and expand my knowledge about the Generation 1 era, it’s time to learn a little about Star Saber.

The very first image we saw of what would become Masterpiece Star Saber.

1 – Who is Star Saber?

Generation 1 Star Saber art.

The obvious first answer to ask; who is Star Saber? My first place to look is at Star Saber’s Generation 1 tech spec bio:

Took God Ginrai’s place as the fifth Cybertron leader. Together with Blacker and the others, this veteran Brainmaster has traveled through the universe for eons. He is a universal hero, who would fight for good even if it meant exhausting his life force. Normally he is very gentle and quiet.

So Star Saber is “the guy,” leader of the Autobots (or Cybertrons in Japanese G1) just like Optimus Prime. I assumed that, but now I’m even more intrigued by reading more into his bio:

Final Attack: The “Planetary Impulse Sword”–Gathering the entire energy of a planet into his Saber Blade, this invincible final attack can destroy just about anything.

As a character, a picture is starting to come together of Star Saber and he downright appears too cool. If he’s this cool on paper, what is his Generation 1 toy like?

2 – What does his G1 toy cost?

A comparison to the original.

I expected much worse. A search for SOLD eBay listings will show a range of prices (not surprisingly) depending on the condition of Star Saber. Some have sold for close to $350 with some reproduction parts, while others are north of $550 for 100% vintage. At the time of my search there was also one complete listing for a list price of $750, a sign that this toy can be pretty expensive.

Due to the age of this toy, yellowing of the white plastic seems to be a common problem, similar to Jetfire. Overall, I’m not shocked and am happy to at least think a Star Saber might have a realistic shot at being in my G1 showcase someday. I’d welcome a reissue as well.

If you’d like to see a fantastic review of the G1 Star Saber toy, check out Brr-icy’s review.

3 – Is Star Saber two robots? Three?

WHAT?! The G1 toy is bigger?! I’m not interested anymore … joking.

I was initially pretty confused with how Star Saber came to be as a robot. Fellow fans were talking about inner robots, combining, and it just got confusing to me as someone who only watched G1 up until The Rebirth. So how many robots is Star Saber? I needed to break down each mode to better understand, but essentially there are three modes that forms “the Star Saber.”

Anyone else share my confusion? Just me? Ok.

First alt mode: Cybertronian spacecraft. Easy enough to understand.

Second alt mode: The front part of the spacecraft can detach as its own flying craft, which is known simply as “Saber.” Saber is piloted by the Brainmaster, the “Brain of Courage.” Alright, so kind of like Headmasters? I’m following so far.

Fans rejoiced when seeing this image. I just joined in on the praise not really knowing.

First robot mode: Saber is transformed when the “Brain of Courage” is put into the chest of Saber. It actually becomes the face. Alright, alright, I get the hype and how awesome it is to have this similar gimmick done on a Masterpiece level. WOW!

Third alt mode: The back half of the Cybertronian spacecraft is called the V-Star (I see where this is going). The V-Star transforms into a battle station of sorts for “Saber” to man. In true Autobot leader fashion, this makes total sense.

Second (and final) robot mode: Let’s put this all together. Take the V-Star body and combine that with the Saber body. What do you get? Star Saber!

Alright, so I get it now on a rudimentary level. Star Saber is a package of several things, but the focal point is with this “Brainmaster.” Next question.

4 – What’s a Brainmaster and/or “Brain of Courage?”

Who’s this guy?

Who’s this guy?

I’m feeling more and more like a casual with the more I learn … sigh. Okay, Brainmasters are a small band of robots similar to Headmasters, in which their smallest, sentient robot modes control lager robot bodies. A Brainmaster will jump into the chest of the robot body to take the place inside the helmet. These smaller, sentient robots are referred to as “Brains.” Star Saber’s inner robot is the Brain of Courage.

Things are starting to come together. Am I missing anything? There’s one sure fire way to learn this stuff …

5 – Transformers Victory: what’s that like?

Victory DVD set. Still G1.

Transformers Victory is part of the Japanese G1 cartoon continuity, which never aired in America. It comes after both The Headmasters and Super-God Masterforce. I know little about the Japanese series, which is a shame because I’ve heard some really good things about the characters, stories, and of course toys. Victory follows Star Saber’s team, part of the Galactic Peace Alliance, in their fight against the Decepticons and Deathsaurus. In typical G1 fashion, this seems like a really fun show, which I’m excited to start watching when I finally purchase the DVD release.

Double grip!

So there you have it. Did I miss anything else vitally important about Star Saber, at least in terms of someone brand new to the character? Did I get this completely wrong or right? Part of the reason for the G1 Journey is gaining experience and learning more about Transformers; Star Saber is a perfect example of getting outside of any comfort zone and learning something new. If there are other casuals like me that needed to have questions answered about Star Saber, I hope this helps!

Bio:

Optimus Prime is the largest, strongest and wisest of all Autobots. Feels his role is the protection of all life, including Earth-life. Fights unceasingly to defeat the Decepticons. Splits into three autonomous modules: 1) Optimus Prime… the brain center known as the Commander 2) Roller, the Autobot scout car… a spy who operates up to 1200 miles away; and 3) Autobot Headquarters… the combat deck equipped with a versatile mechanic/artillery robot. Injury to one module is felt by the other two.

Introduction:

This entry will always be extremely special to me, most reasons of which have nothing to do with this remarkable toy, but the memories attached to it. My Dad passed away earlier this year in February to cancer. I’ll never be okay with him being gone, it continues to be an emotional roller coaster, especially coming to terms with my two month old son never knowing his Grandpa. When my Dad was in the hospital for surgery, I gave him this Optimus Prime, hoping it would comfort him. During my Dad’s battle with cancer, Optimus Prime stood on his dresser overlooking his bed, a constant reminder of happier and easier times.

It took me several trips to my Dad’s house after he passed to finally take the dust stained Hasbro reissue back home. I had finally told myself if my Dad couldn’t be here to watch my son grow up, then this Optimus Prime will. That’s when it hit me, a realization that these pieces of plastic, these kid’s toys, can be so much more. They are outlets for the stress of life, they are pieces of someone’s passions, and in my case they are memories of my father I hold close to my heart.

Where I bought Optimus Prime:

As part of the Hasbro 2002 Commemorative Series of reissues, I jumped at the chance to own this figure. It was my 13th birthday and I had asked for this Optimus Prime. I remember opening this gift, thinking how small it was because I literally had no idea what it was going to be like, and then being totally mesmerized by the leader of the Autobots. I still get chills thinking about how it looked in its Generation 1 style packaging; it will probably be the closest I will ever feel to opening an original G1 toy in 1984. It was incredible.

The good thing about the most popular Transformer character that will ever exist? You will have a million opportunities to buy your very own G1 Optimus Prime toy. Search eBay, fan sites like TFW, online retailers … you will absolutely find a very good conditioned Optimus Prime that won’t break your wallet, weather it’s vintage or a reissue. Do your homework though, there are also just as many cheap knock offs that are easily spotted if you look for the telltale signs.

*** As a reminder, please click on the images to view their full size ***

Alt Mode:

I haven’t come across a single G1 toy (yet) that looks better than Optimus Prime. This is a remarkably cool vehicle and the play possibilities are seemingly endless! The ever-so-recognizable flat nose red cab, the grey trailer with Autobot stripe running the side; it’s literally one of the best Transformers toy a collector could have. It has the whole package of a Transformer done right: realistic rubber tires (that don’t seem to crack), extremely well placed chrome, beautiful paint pallet, and the list just continues to go on from there.

As with many of the early Transformers toys, Optimus Prime was originally part of the Diaclone line. What I now use for fist storage was designed for a pilot to occupy. I’d also like to point out my one major disappointment with the Hasbro reissues of Prime, and that is the shortened smokestacks. Although no functionality is lost, the overall appearance is much better when the smokestacks rise above the cab. Toy safety laws …

As I already gushed about, the possibilities are seemingly endless with Prime’s alternate mode. The trailer in particular is just loaded with fun extras and takes this alternate mode over the top! Prime’s little partner Roller is especially fun, being able to have a gas hose and Prime’s blaster attach to the top of the vehicle. The trailer bay also features a launching gimmick in which you should be able to launch Roller out from; I say “should” because once again the reissue of this toy was modified and had the launching gimmick removed. Despite the downgrades, I still would never tell collectors to completely pass on a reissue as it’s still brilliant.

Another seat for a Diaclone pilot can be found on the repair drone. I don’t utilize the display as often as I should, but the trailer/combat deck can be positioned standing upright so that Optimus Prime can be repaired by the station’s movable arm (pictures of this below). The play options and functionality that were designed into this toy are just awesome. It’s a true example of genius toy engineering.

Robot Mode:

Remember that one scene in Transformers: The Movie when Optimus Prime rolls in, drives over a few Decepticons, and then jettisons from his alt mode to transform mid-air? I still reenact that scene every time I transform Optimus Prime. The general buzz in the Transformers fandom right now is that simplified transformations are hogwash; it’s dumbing down the product. Well, G1 Optimus Prime is one of the easiest transformations you will ever find and it only strengthens the experience. It’s quick, fun, and the end result is a badass robot.

Not nearly as dynamic as the alternate mode, Prime’s transformation to robot mode still brings the character to live. He’s also one of the most articulated as well, which is always a welcomed bonus with G1 figures. Turn the trailer to stand straight up and you have the repair mode mentioned before. Truly the total package.

Evolution:

Unlike many other characters through the franchise’s 30 year history, Optimus Prime rarely departs from his roots of a semi-truck (a few fire trucks can be the exceptions). Through 30 years Optimus Prime has received a TON of fantastic new updates to his G1 form, starting of course with one of the most jaw dropping releases ever in Masterpiece MP-01. Despite being somewhat outdone by its version 2 attempt, MP-10, both Masterpiece figures capture nearly everything that is wonderful with the G1 toy. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, the hype for MP-10 is real: find a way to purchase it.

Other Evolutions include the original Classics release, a more futuristic homage to the flat nose semi-truck, and the most recent entry I’d also consider is the Age of Extinction Evasion Mode Optimus Prime, but I’d also consider this just a nice love letter to G1 fans. Really, there’s so many good figures that pay homage to the original G1 it’s hard to list them all. Here are just a select few of my favorites:

Overall: 10/10

I initially did not want to write this article, because I still have prioritized plans to purchase a vintage Optimus Prime. It would be my Dad’s birthday today though, and writing this really pays tribute to him and what this toy meant to us. I see the comment all the time when I’m reading discussions among fellow fans: “They’re just toys!” Of course that statement is technically correct, but it’s only on the surface level. There are several reasons why there is such a passionate following of Transformers fans and it goes beyond grown men still buying toys from Toys ‘R Us. I’ve come to believe that at times it’s naive to believe these are just toys. For me, Optimus Prime is going to be a story I tell my son as he grows up, a story about his Grandpa and his love for his grandson. I never suggest anyone take this hobby too seriously, but we should also not discredit its emotional attachment. I’m grateful this toy kept my Dad comforted for as long as it did, and I’m even more grateful it proudly sits in my son’s room now.